Departmental Heads’ Perceived Self-Efficacy on their Management and Leadership Roles in Public Primary Schools in Mopani East District, in Limpopo Province

Abstract

The management and leadership roles in schools are no longer the principal's obligation alone. The School Management Team (SMT), which comprises the school principal, deputy principals, and departmental heads (DHs), is vested with the responsibility of ensuring that a conducive atmosphere for the provision of quality education prevails in schools. DHs are critical in contributing to effective curriculum management and leadership in schools. Therefore, this study explored how the Departmental Heads’ self-efficacy impacts public primary school management and leadership roles. A multi-case study design to explore real-life experiences through detailed, in-depth data collection involving multiple sources of information was adopted. Through the purposive sampling strategy, the researcher selected eight (8) Departmental Heads (DHs) and eight (8) principals from selected primary schools, and two (2) Circuit Managers and two (2) Curriculum Advisors attached to Giyani Cluster and Mopani East District respectively. Credible data for the study was collected through individual semi-structured interviews, observations and document analysis. Data collection process was preceded by a pilot study conducted to eliminate flaws and ambiguities in the application of the chosen data collection instruments. To achieve the authenticity and trustworthiness of the research, the researcher ensured that the research met the credibility, dependability, authenticity and confirmability criteria. Data was analysed using the content analysis approach to present a topical, comprehensive and scientific product. The study revealed that DHs play a very critical role in curriculum management and leadership since they lead, manage and develop standards of excellence in the delivery of the curriculum. It was also revealed that most DHs have low levels of self-efficacy because of personal and contextual challenges that confront them. The study recommended that DHs be provided with adequate training opportunities and resources and monitored and supported in a well-coordinated manner.